COP28 President Suggests Fossil Fuel Phase-Out Unnecessary, Sparks Controversy
The president of the upcoming World Climate Conference, Sultan Al-Jaber, has stirred controversy by expressing doubts about the necessity of phasing out fossil fuels to reach the 1.5-degree global warming target, as reported by The Guardian and the Centre for Climate Reporting.
Al-Jaber, who also serves as the CEO of ADNOC, the UAE's national oil company, refuted the necessity of fossil fuel phase-out during a video call with UN representatives in November, stating that there's no scientific evidence to support it.
Al-Jaber's stance has attracted criticism due to his role in the climate conference and the UAE's reliance on fossil fuels, which have been heavily linked to climate change. However, in a response to The Guardian, the COP28 presidency did not deny Al-Jaber's words, adding that he had referenced the IPCC's assumption of a smaller role for fossil fuels in the future energy system.
Health Declaration Criticized
Critics have also taken issue with a health declaration adopted at the World Climate Conference, claiming it's not ambitious enough in addressing the role of fossil fuels in climate change and its impact on health. The announcement, signed by more than 120 countries, fails to mention fossil fuels or phasing them out, despite being a significant contributor to climate change issues and consequently health hazards.
Medical experts argue that a true 'Health COP' requires states to adopt and implement ambitious resolutions to phase out fossil fuels. Without this, the fight against climate change and its health consequences may remain compromised.
Accelerating Fossil Fuel Phase-Out
In Dubai, the World Health Organization and nearly 40 medical experts called for accelerating the phase-out of fossil fuels in response to climate change-related health risks. They urged national governments to abide by their climate protection commitments to address the concurrent climate and health crises.
Experts also caution against relying on controversial solutions to the climate crisis, such as CO2 storage and geoengineering, which are both considered scientifically uncertain and costly. Instead, they suggest focusing on a more gradual, responsible transition from fossil fuels.
United in Addressing Climate and Health Crises
US Special Envoy John Kerry emphasized the interconnectedness of the climate crisis and health crisis in Dubai, stating they are "one and the same." He urged the international community to work together to tackle both challenges.
Despite Al-Jaber's controversial stance, the necessity of addressing climate change and its health implications remains undeniable. As the world prepares for the COP28 conference, the pressure is on to bridge the gap between conflicting viewpoints and work towards a sustainable, equitable future.
Further Reading
Enrichment Insights
Sultan Al-Jaber, of COP28 fame, has expressed several concerns as to why the phase-out of fossil fuels may not be necessary or practical:
- Lack of Immediate Scientific Scenario: Al-Jaber doubts there's a direct link between the phase-out of fossil fuels and the 1.5°C global warming target due to the absence of a current scientific scenario.
- Realistic Transition Requirements: He believes in the need for a more pragmatic approach, emphasizing the importance of balancing economic and social considerations with environmental goals.
- Global Emissions Trends: Despite goals set by the Paris Agreement, global greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, reaching record levels.
- Nuclear Power Potential: Al-Jaber has suggested that nuclear power could have reduced carbon emissions by a considerable amount had it been developed more aggressively.
- Fair and Orderly Transition: Advocates for a gradual transition from fossil fuels that is fair, equitable, and avoids an economic or energy squeeze.
These insights demonstrate that Al-Jaber's skepticism stems from a desire for a practical, balanced approach to the climate crisis, emphasizing the need to account for economic and social concerns alongside environmental goals.
